Tokyo: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today emphasized that global trust is at risk as the world navigates through a period of significant uncertainty. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Nikkei Forum: 30th Future of Asia at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Prof Yunus highlighted the declining trust between nations, societies, and individuals and their institutions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus, while delivering his keynote speech on ‘Asian Challenges in a Turbulent World’, remarked on the increasing turbulence in the global landscape. He pointed out the fragility of peace, escalating tensions, and the lack of guaranteed cooperation as hallmarks of the current era. Additionally, he noted the eruption of conflicts in Asia and beyond, with peace becoming an elusive pursuit.
Prof Yunus drew attention to the devastation caused by wars and man-made conflicts on thousands of lives and livelihoods in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and parts of South and Southeast Asia. He specificall
y mentioned Myanmar, where civil war has intensified, and the recent earthquake has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. He regretted the billions spent on warfare, leaving millions of people in dire need of basic necessities.
Expressing gratitude, the Chief Adviser thanked the leaders of two neighboring countries for agreeing to a ceasefire, expressing hopes for sustained peace, stability, and coexistence in South Asia. He also highlighted the global displacement caused by climate change and the ethical dilemmas posed by technological advancements.
Prof Yunus addressed the rise of trade restrictions, challenging the foundations of the free trade system, and the widening economic inequalities within and between societies. He cited recent divisions and instability in Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea, leading to regime changes. In Bangladesh, a student-led mass uprising led to a transformational change, with Prof Yunus’s government taking charge.
Despite domestic challenges, Prof Yunus noted Bangladesh’s
contributions to global peace and security through UN peacekeeping missions and hosting over a million Rohingya refugees. He highlighted Asia’s pivotal role amid uncertainty, emphasizing the region’s potential to lead with a focus on peace, dialogue, and inclusive growth.
Prof Yunus urged for a shift in focus from individual profits to collective well-being, advocating for solutions that are inclusive and fair. He shared insights from his journey with the Grameen Bank and social business ideas, stressing the potential within people when given opportunities.
Introducing his theory of Three Zeros-Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, Zero Net Carbon Emissions-Prof Yunus described it as a direction rather than a dream, encouraging collaboration across governments, businesses, universities, and individuals.
He called for a new economic model built on compassion and care, rather than competition and consumption. Social business, he argued, should prioritize problem-solving over profit-making. Prof Yunus praised the
Nikkei Forum as a platform fostering dialogue and trust, emphasizing the importance of people, ideas, and courage in shaping Asia’s future.
He concluded with a call to action, urging individuals to reimagine, rebuild, and rise above turbulence with purpose and cooperation, envisioning a better world through trust and collaboration. Prof Yunus underscored the unwritten nature of Asia’s future, encouraging a joint effort in crafting a shared destiny, with Bangladesh and Japan potentially playing key roles in this endeavor.